Addressing the ministers and MPs at a parliamentary reception hosted by easyJet, McCall said: “The effect of APD is extremely negative on people coming to and leaving from the UK. It is bad for passengers and bad for the economy. I urge the government to look at it again.”

She told Greening: “It is very unusual for the major airlines to agree on anything, but we are asking for an independent, economic review that looks at the costs and benefits of APD [to the Treasury].”

McCall added: “We will abide by the findings.” Appealing to MPs, she said: “If any of you can do anything to help on this, it would be great.”

The easyJet boss added: “One final plea: please look at the queues at immigration. It is one of the top things our passengers find difficult about air travel.”

Greening told McCall and other industry representatives: “Day to day this industry is really playing its part in getting the economy back on its feet, and I know there has never been a more important time in aviation.

“We are determined to work across government to help make a success of your industry.”

The secretary of state added: “I look forward to continuing to engage with easyJet, one of the largest members of the industry, for whom I have an enormous amount of respect.”

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